Description

Born female, prosecuted in 1945 for marrying another woman, vilified for having her breasts removed, Iris Florence Williams became Peter Williams and lived as a man for sixty years, ending his life happily married, respected and loved by family and friends.

Peter was one of many across time, cultures and social class who have broken social norms and had to resort to subterfuge and defiance of the law to survive.

This is an account of determination, masquerade and power. It is the story of a perfectly natural life.

About the author

Julie Glamuzina was born in Auckland, of Croatian origin. She has an MA (Hons) in history from the University of Auckland and was an active member of gay liberation, feminist and lesbian groups in the 1970s and 1980s. Her social histories have included contributions to the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, Women Together: A History of Women’s Organisations in New Zealand, and SPIRAL magazine. She has published a history of lesbian political activity in New Zealand and co-authored Parker and Hulme: A Lesbian View which explored the circumstances and social impact of the 1954 Christchurch murder case. An avid dancer and cyclist, Julie works as an IT professional and with her long-time partner owns a commercial fig orchard in Northland.